India is home to numerous lakes, each with its unique ecological, cultural, and economic significance. Here are some of the most important lakes in India, categorized by region:
Northern India
- Dal Lake (Jammu & Kashmir)
- Location: Srinagar
- Significance: Known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir,” Dal Lake is famous for its houseboats and shikaras. It is a major tourist attraction and supports local livelihoods through tourism and fishing.
- Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir)
- Location: Bandipora district
- Significance: One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, Wular Lake is crucial for its biodiversity and supports a large number of fish species. It also plays a significant role in the local economy.
- Pangong Tso (Ladakh)
- Location: Ladakh
- Significance: This high-altitude lake is known for its stunning blue waters and is a popular tourist destination. It is a transboundary lake, with part of it extending into China.
Southern India
- Vembanad Lake (Kerala)
- Location: Kerala
- Significance: The longest lake in India and the largest in Kerala, Vembanad Lake is famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. It is also a Ramsar site, recognized for its ecological importance.
- Pulicat Lake (Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu)
- Location: Border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
- Significance: The second largest brackish water lake in India, Pulicat Lake is known for its bird sanctuary, which attracts a variety of migratory birds.
- Loktak Lake (Manipur)
- Location: Manipur
- Significance: Known for its unique floating phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matter), Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. It is also home to the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world.
Western India
- Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan)
- Location: Rajasthan
- Significance: The largest inland salt lake in India, Sambhar Lake is a key site for salt production. It is also a Ramsar site, important for its wetland ecosystem and migratory bird population.
- Pushkar Lake (Rajasthan)
- Location: Pushkar
- Significance: A sacred lake in Hinduism, Pushkar Lake is surrounded by numerous temples and is a major pilgrimage site, especially during the Pushkar Camel Fair.
Eastern India
- Chilika Lake (Odisha)
- Location: Odisha
- Significance: The largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world, Chilika Lake is a Ramsar site and a biodiversity hotspot. It is famous for its Irrawaddy dolphins and migratory birds.
- Kolleru Lake (Andhra Pradesh)
- Location: Between Krishna and Godavari districts
- Significance: One of the largest freshwater lakes in India, Kolleru Lake is an important habitat for birds and supports a rich biodiversity. It is also a Ramsar site.
Central India
- Bhojtal (Upper Lake) (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Bhopal
- Significance: One of the oldest man-made lakes in India, Bhojtal is a major source of drinking water for Bhopal and a popular recreational spot.
- Nakki Lake (Rajasthan)
- Location: Mount Abu
- Significance: A small, picturesque lake in the only hill station of Rajasthan, Nakki Lake is a popular tourist destination and holds cultural significance in local folklore.
Other Notable Lakes
- Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim)
- Location: North Sikkim
- Significance: One of the highest lakes in the world, Gurudongmar Lake is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. It is known for its stunning beauty and pristine environment.
- Tsomgo Lake (Sikkim)
- Location: East Sikkim
- Significance: Also known as Changu Lake, this glacial lake is a popular tourist destination and is considered sacred by the local people.
- Nalsarovar Lake (Gujarat)
- Location: Gujarat
- Significance: A Ramsar site, Nalsarovar Lake is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting a large number of migratory birds during the winter months.
These lakes are not only vital for their ecological and environmental roles but also hold significant cultural, religious, and economic importance for the regions they are located in. They support diverse ecosystems, provide livelihoods, and are integral to the cultural heritage of India.
Here’s a quiz on Important Lakes of India designed for practice for general knowledge and competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, and other similar exams. The quiz includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers provided at the end.
Quiz: Important Lakes of India
1. Which is the largest freshwater lake in India?
a) Dal Lake
b) Wular Lake
c) Chilika Lake
d) Vembanad Lake
2. Which lake is known for its floating phumdis and is located in Manipur?
a) Loktak Lake
b) Pulicat Lake
c) Sambhar Lake
d) Pushkar Lake
3. Which of the following lakes is a Ramsar site and is famous for Irrawaddy dolphins?
a) Dal Lake
b) Chilika Lake
c) Nalsarovar Lake
d) Kolleru Lake
4. Which lake is the largest saltwater lake in India?
a) Sambhar Lake
b) Chilika Lake
c) Pulicat Lake
d) Pushkar Lake
5. Which lake is located in Ladakh and is known for its stunning blue waters?
a) Pangong Tso
b) Tsomgo Lake
c) Gurudongmar Lake
d) Nalsarovar Lake
6. Which lake is associated with the famous Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan?
a) Sambhar Lake
b) Pushkar Lake
c) Nakki Lake
d) Bhojtal
7. Which lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India?
a) Chilika Lake
b) Vembanad Lake
c) Pulicat Lake
d) Kolleru Lake
8. Which lake is known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”?
a) Wular Lake
b) Dal Lake
c) Pangong Tso
d) Loktak Lake
9. Which lake is the only floating national park in the world located?
a) Chilika Lake
b) Loktak Lake
c) Vembanad Lake
d) Kolleru Lake
10. Which lake is situated in Mount Abu, Rajasthan?
a) Nakki Lake
b) Pushkar Lake
c) Sambhar Lake
d) Bhojtal
11. Which lake is the highest lake in India and is located in Sikkim?
a) Tsomgo Lake
b) Gurudongmar Lake
c) Pangong Tso
d) Chilika Lake
12. Which lake is the largest inland salt lake in India?
a) Sambhar Lake
b) Chilika Lake
c) Pulicat Lake
d) Pushkar Lake
13. Which lake is located in Bhopal and is one of the oldest man-made lakes in India?
a) Bhojtal (Upper Lake)
b) Nakki Lake
c) Pushkar Lake
d) Sambhar Lake
14. Which lake is known for its bird sanctuary and is located on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu?
a) Pulicat Lake
b) Kolleru Lake
c) Chilika Lake
d) Vembanad Lake
15. Which lake is the longest lake in India and is located in Kerala?
a) Vembanad Lake
b) Chilika Lake
c) Pulicat Lake
d) Kolleru Lake
Answers
- b) Wular Lake
- a) Loktak Lake
- b) Chilika Lake
- a) Sambhar Lake
- a) Pangong Tso
- b) Pushkar Lake
- a) Chilika Lake
- b) Dal Lake
- b) Loktak Lake
- a) Nakki Lake
- b) Gurudongmar Lake
- a) Sambhar Lake
- a) Bhojtal (Upper Lake)
- a) Pulicat Lake
- a) Vembanad Lake
This quiz covers a wide range of important lakes in India, their locations, and their significance. It is ideal for competitive exam preparation and general knowledge practice.
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